REVIEW: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Summary: The complete Mario Kart 8 experience with all the dlc from the Wii-U version, 6 new racers, two new items, double items (a feature from Double Dash) and the added battle modes fans have been waiting for; deluxe really does the title justice.

Concept: If you’ve never played a Mario Kart game before then the concept is quite simple: do whatever it takes to take first place. The tried and true formula of hurling objects at your fellow opponents as you dart towards the finish line has not changed, and why should it when it’s so damn perfect.

Now this looks familiar

Graphics: It was absolutely gorgeous on the Wii-U and it is still as beautiful now on the switch. When comparing the Wii-U version to the Switch you won’t really notice much of a difference, but I feel the Switch version just has the slight advantage in maintaining the framerate when things get heated. For newcomers, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is stunning; from each of the lovingly crafted tracks with a crazy amount of detail put into them, to the superb animations of each and every racer (who could forget the evil Luigi meme) this game shows the Nintendo flair for art design and how hardware limitations never seem to hold them back.

Gameplay: Kicking ass and taking names, that’s what I think of when playing Mario Kart 8 Deluxe as I zip passed my opponents after some well placed banana peels and shell shots, only to then be shot down by that damn blue spiky shell (it really is the bane of my existence). The gameplay can be a nice cruise on 50cc to hair-pulling difficulty on 150cc trying to get the perfect run and then add in the absolute insanity of 200cc at 60fps which feels like you’re playing F-zero and you have a nice mix of difficulties for all ages. The levels in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe are nothing short of spectacular and everyone will seemingly have their own favourites to race on and with a total of 48 tracks in total, there really is something for everyone. As for controls, they are as tight and responsive as you could hope for when making for those sharp turn drifts whilst defending with items; just don’t use bikes, they suck.

“Sorry Link, I have a new princess in sight”

Multiplayer: Everyone knows I’m not a fan of multiplayer, with the exception of couch co-op, Street Fighter and you guessed it: Mario Kart. Bring in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and you now have a couch co-op experience both online and offline for TV play or portably and a co-op experience both local and online for on the go. Also every Switch owner technically has two player capabilities from the get go as each player can use a separate Joy-con, what is this amazing madness?!
BATTLE MODE! This is where it’s at with the old favourite Balloon Battle back in full force to the new Renegade round-up which essentially is cops and robbers with one team trying to catch the other. There is fun to be had by everyone and if battle mode isn’t your thing then you can always compete is vs races or even the entirety of the Grand Prix both off and online.

Sound: Mario Kart has always had some great soundtracks and this outing is no different. I really dig the funky-jazz infused remixes of classic tracks as well as all the new music as it feels like I’m listening to the SNL band playing Mario tunes, which isn’t a bad thing at all. Aside from the music, another thing fans know and love are all the quirky noises and phrases each racer makes/says: whether it’s Warios one liners, Mario’s squabbles as he gets smashed by a shell, Bowsers roars or King boos cheeky laughs, they all add that little extra charm to make you smile…and troll your friends.

hey squidboy I wouldn’t be smiling with luigi on your tail…tentacle :/

Awesomeness: Having played the Wii-U version extensively since its release, there wasn’t a whole lot of reason to jump into this Deluxe version for the Switch, that is until I started playing the battle modes and then once again getting drawn back in to completing all the Grand Prix cups. The main hook for getting consumed all over again has been the ability to play this portably and to think of all the fun I will eventually be having bringing this over to friends places for little tournaments just sounds amazing. For people who have never played Mario Kart 8 I really am envious as they are getting SO MUCH content all in one package and did I also mention there is about 54 characters to choose from!! This game defines the word awesome.

Final Word: The gameplay hasn’t changed over the years, it has just gotten more refined and had features added that have always enhanced the experience and never seemed to be a detriment to the series. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe really is the pinnacle of the Mario Kart franchise and I personally dub it my favourite of the series.